Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
